(757) 333-3333Seven Top Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween is a highlight of the year for kids who take to the streets to go trick or treating. However, it can also be a hazardous time. Here are our top seven Halloween safety tips.
A recent article in U.S. News pointed to the upsurge of accidents that happens every year on Halloween. A lot of things can go wrong.
Pedestrian accidents are clearly one of the most significant dangers. On Halloween, large groups of children are walking the dark streets. This may be the only night of the year that they have walked these streets after dark and their excitement often means they fail to observe proper rules about crossing the road.
Halloween safety tips
There is also a host of other problems associated with Halloween such as dangerous costumes and even contaminated candy. These issues are secondary to the dangers posed by drivers to pedestrians in Hampton Roads.
Seven Halloween Safety Tips
1 – Don’t trick or treat alone. You are safer in groups. Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult who can protect them from traffic.
2 – Cross safely. Look both ways when you are crossing the street and aim to cross at crosswalks. If there is no marked crosswalk, cross at an intersection. Use sidewalks where they are available.
3 – Dress safely. Wear costumes that fit properly. If you are wearing a mask make sure you can see out of it. Avoid costumes that drag on the floor and may be a trip hazard. Wear sensible walking shoes. Given the recent panic over clowns, avoid these costumes.
4 – Be Seen. Consider wearing bright colors or reflective strips on your costumes. Carrying a flashlight or glow sticks can make you more visible. Don’t trick or treat with a naked flame such as a candle.
5 – Avoid dangerous accessories. Don’t trick or treat with toy knives or guns. Your toy could be mistaken for the real thing.
6 – Know your Neighborhood. Trick or treat in well-lit neighborhoods that you are familiar with. Going into a new neighborhood carries uncertainty and risk. When you are going to doorsteps only visit well-lit homes that are prepared for trick or treaters and ensure an adult is watching you.
7 – Beware of choking hazards. Most of the stories of contaminated candy are false but you should only eat wrapped candy of a recognized brand. Get an adult to sort out your candy after you have been trick or treating to make sure it’s safe.
Happy trick or treating and be safe. If you are hurt on Halloween due to the actions of a careless driver, please call us at (757) 333-3333.
